Sermons on Ray:

To See Who Jesus Was.

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Nov 2, 2007

To show that the grace and love of Christ creates the miracle of the new birth in unlikely people.

TO SEE WHO JESUS WAS... Luke 19:1 “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 19:2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 19:3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 19:4 So he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Plant A Thanksgiving Garden

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 19, 2007

Psalm 100 and I Thessalonians 5:16-18 give guides on planting a family Thanksgiving Garden.

Plant a Thanksgiving Garden Psalm 100 I Thessalonians 5:18 Someone e-mailed me what love means to 4 to 8 year old children. “When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Fully Devoted Disciple

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 12, 2006

This message was given at memorial service for a long-time member of the Willow Vale Community Church.

Virgil Lorenz – A Fully Devoted Disciple Memorial Service December 9, 2006 When I reflected on the life and family of Virgil Lorenz there were several scriptures that came to my mind. For the past nine years I have served as Virgil’s pastor and believe that Virgil modeled what a fully devoted ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30

Denomination: Free Methodist

One Stop Shopping

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

There is only one place I know where we can go for one-stop shopping and fill the void in a person’s heart and life. The place is actually a person – Jesus.

“One Stop Shopping” Isaiah 9:1-7 At our stage of life with 4 children and 14 grandchildren Carollyn and I try to keep our Christmas shopping simple. When our children were younger we would race from store to store trying to buy the latest toy for our children. Do any of you remember the Cabbage ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jesus The True Light Of Christmas

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

Ever since the brightness of heaven flooded the hills of Bethlehem; and the far off twinkling star guided Eastern wise-men to the new born King…Christ has been the Light of the world, and we have celebrated Christmas with colorful lights.

Jesus the True Light of Christmas John 1:1-9 Isaiah 9:1-2 The Apostle John in his Gospel the first chapter gives us a description of the person and work of Jesus Christ. :”In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word (Jesus) was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-9

Denomination: Free Methodist

Unwrap The Gift Of Joy This Christmas

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

The angel said, “I bring you good news.” Christ is our good news of great joy.. Regardless of the circumstances, the pain, or problems, we look to Jesus, He is our good news. In Christ we can face life with optimism and joy.

Un-wrap the Gift of Joy this Christmas Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel said, “I bring you good news.” Christ is our good news of great joy.. Regardless of the circumstances, the pain, or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Luke 3:10-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

Develop Your Life Plan For 2007

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 8, 2007

There are five areas of your life you can set goals as you develop your life plan and map for the coming year.

Develop Your Life Plan for 2007 -Living the Life God Meant for you to live- James 4:14-15 Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you,, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Until He Comes"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jan 9, 2007

The Scriptures specifically tell us what we are to be doing "Until He Comes".

“Until He Comes” Introduction: Do you remember those dreaded words your Mother would say to you when you were a child? “Wait until your Father comes home!” It was a long, anxious, dreary wait, wasn’t it? Jesus told us that He’s coming back. But, it doesn’t have to be with dreaded anticipation, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Fulfilling God's Vison By Connecting With Our Community

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 16, 2007

In this passage in Luke Jesus makes it clear that His Vision for His followers and the church is to connect with the surrounding community.

Fulfilling God’s Vision by Connecting with Our Community Luke 9:1-6 In this passage in Luke Jesus makes it clear that His Vision for His followers and the church is to connect with the surrounding community. Jesus sent out his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:1-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

Life's Greatest Influences

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 16, 2007

This message examines scripture that describes Life’s Greatest Influences. Three influences lead people away from God and one influence leads people to God.

Three Verses One -Life’s Greatest Influences- Matthew 13:18-23 This morning I want to examine scripture that describes Life’s Greatest Influences. I’m titled the message, “Three Verses One.” I want us to look at three influences that lead people away from God and one influence that leads people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:18-23

Denomination: Free Methodist

Get On A Roller Coaster

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 13, 2007

The roller coaster and the Christian life have a lot in common. Both have their ups and downs.

Get on the Roller Coaster -Encouraging Words for New and Growing Christians- I Timothy 1:1-3 The roller coaster and the Christian life have a lot in common. Both have their ups and downs. I enjoy a good roller coaster ride. When our children were growing up I enjoyed riding on the “Blue ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Positive Side Of Doubt

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 4, 2006

There is a positive side of doubt. When doubts push us to study and examine why we believe what we believe the searching can help us grow spiritually.

The Positive Side of Doubt -How Doubts can help you grow spiritually- Apostle’s Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:2-4

Denomination: Free Methodist

Welcome Home

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 16, 2006

Jesus told three parables about lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. The stories highlight the truth that missing people matter to God. God places tremendous value on every individual. All heaven rejoices when one person repents and turns to God.

“Welcome Home” Luke 15:11-27 Those of you who have had or currently have sons can closely identify with the story Jesus told about a rebellious son. The rebellious son was the teenager and the other son was obedient and probably in his twenties. In Luke chapter 15 Luke records that Jesus made ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-27

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Witch Series

Contributed by Ray Hardee on Jan 14, 2006

This message illustrates the influence of evil in the world through the characterization of the witch.

The Witch: “Deep Magic” minimize/MAXIMIZE (Louie Giglio says we should "Zoom OUT Before You Zoom In" to get the big picture of all of our decisions. Three Certainties: § spiritual war § Enemy with a personal plan for your life-DEATH- LIAR..2nd Lie § His choices are cloaked in deception (not ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Through The Tough Stuff

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 17, 2006

This message deals with a subject that is often controversial, prejudice. As Christ followers we are to demonstrate love to all without exception.

*************************************************************************************Getting Through the Tough Stuff -Prejudice- James 2:1-4 Tomorrow we as a country recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Day. King had a dream that was grounded in the Word of God that all people and ethnic groups ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-4

Denomination: Free Methodist